Have you ever been so excited to tell your spouse something, only to become frustrated when they don't react positively to your exciting news?

When you marry, you promise to love each other and stand by each other "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part." But you never say, "to find joy in your good news and sorrow in your bad news." The question is, why doesn't anyone include that in marital vows? Past research shows relationship satisfaction is heavily influenced by how couples react to each other's good news.

Emotional support is key in a healthy relationship. When you react positively to your spouse's good news, and comfort them in times of sorrow, it brings you closer together.

Relationship expert John Gottman has studied married couples for four decades. He says a successful relationship "comes down to the spirit couples bring to the relationship. Do they bring kindness and generosity, or contempt, criticism and hostility?"

Make the bid

Gottman defined a couple's key to success in everyday interactions as "bids." Let me explain, if I made a beautiful, three-tiered cake, I'd "bid" for my husband's attention by asking him to come in the kitchen to admire it. I'd expect a positive exclamation about how wonderful it looks. However, he might be reluctant and offer no positive feedback because he was heavily immersed in his own activities.

In this case, I made the "bid" for his attention but he failed to deliver.

"If the majority of 'bids' between couples go unanswered or worse, dismissed with contempt, the union is doomed," Gootman said.

After decades of research and data collecting, Gottman found that couples who positively responded to their partner's "bids" connected well with their spouse's emotional needs and had a longer, more successful relationship than those who didn't.

Make the effort

Training yourself to react positively to your significant other's bids will increase satisfaction and affection within your relationship. But you have to make a genuine effort to see results.

Studies show positive reactions can be learned and will enhance your relationship. The key word? Learn. Being positive and aware of your partner's needs will take some work on your part to make it a habit, but doing so will be worth it.

The positive and the negative

Positive news usually outweighs negative four to one. When something good happens to your sweetheart, it's the perfect opportunity to build and strengthen your relationship. When your spouse shares bad news with you, there's not much you can do other than love them, hold them, support them and help them relieve their stress. Because positive occurances are more frequent, there are a lot more opportunities to bond and strengthen your relationship with your spouse.

Recognizing when to react

It's easy for you and your spouse to slip into a passive life when you're both busy. Keep your relationship vibrant and ensure it lasts forever by asking yourself these questions before reacting to your spouse's news:

• How do I react when my spouse arrives home on an emotional high?

• Do I only notice their positive news when I'm feeling happy too?

• Have I ever expected my partner to react to my news when I don't take the time to react to theirs?

• What kind of attitude do I have when I arrive home?

• Does my attitude influence my partner and possibly keep them from sharing their good news?

Everyone has good news and bad news. The important thing is how you receive that news from a spouse, family member or friend. Be mindful of your reactions to your spouse, as they may determine how long your relationship lasts.

The post The one surprising thing that will effect your marriage happiness appeared first on FamilyToday.

You are unique and so is your body. Every woman's birth control needs are different. The important thing is to find a method that fits you. Here are eight things you should know before picking out your birth control:

1. Effectiveness

All women are at different stages of life; some already have kids, some are not ready but want them in the future and others don't want children at all. You have to discuss the desire and timing of having children with your spouse so you can plan the strength and effectiveness of your birth control.

Birth control efficiency differs between each method. For example, something like the Today Sponge is moderately effective. The FDA estimates for every 100 women that use a vaginal sponge, between 16 and 32 will get pregnant a year. On the other hand, an implant is extremely effective with less than one percent chance of pregnancy. Only one form of birth control is guaranteed to work 100 percent of the time - abstinence.

2. Cost

The average woman spends about $150 on birth control per year. Each method's cost and effective timeframe are different. Some are costly upfront but last for several years like an IUD, while others are an inexpensive, one-time use alternative like a condom. Discussing your financial situation with your spouse and looking into how much your insurance will cover might be big determining factors when deciding on a type of birth control.

3. Doctor visit

When looking at cost and convenience, keep in mind that some methods need a doctor visit. Birth controls like "the pill" must be prescribed, implants and IUDs have to be placed and shots must be administered. If you don't want to bother with the doctor, you might want to look at over the counter options.

4. Protection from STD/STI

Not all forms of pregnancy prevention will protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and infections. If you or your spouse have had an STD or STI or you have multiple sleeping partners, you will want to look into forms that will keep you and your partner safe.

5. How long it lasts

Depending on your plans for the future and for your family, there are one time, one month, multiple years or permanent birth controls to choose from. Take a good look at your lifestyle and plans to help decide which would be best for you.

6. Quickly reversible

Some birth controls are permanent like a vasectomy or can stay in your system for a long time like a hormone shot. It might be frustrating when you're ready to start a family or have more kids and can't because of the method of birth control you used. Planning ahead might help you decide if you want something with no lasting effects like fertility awareness methods or spermicide.

7. Convenience and detection

Pregnancy prevention methods should be mutually agreed upon between you and your spouse. Ultimately, it should be the woman's choice; however, some forms are detectable and uncomfortable for both men and women like a cervical cap or the withdrawal method. Finding something comfortable and convenient for the both of you is key. This might require trying multiple methods before finding one you both like.

8. Side effects

Many forms of birth control can have side effects during use or lasting effects after use. A hormone shot has a longer lasting effect that stays in your system. Many forms like "the pill" can cause you to gain weight. To avoid side effects, you will need to do some research on the different forms you have considered trying or consult your OB/GYN for a professional opinion.

9. Age and lifestyle

How you live your life and your age are also important factors when selecting a pregnancy prevention method. For example, if you're overweight, hormone-based methods like pills, NuvaRings or a patch are essentially useless for women over 165 pounds. Oral contraceptives are also not recommended for women over the age of 35 and smoke.

Other forms might help various things in your life; if you're approaching menopause, the shot might help relieve symptoms. Either way, asking a doctor for the best alternative for you will help you determine which form is best for you and your lifestyle.

Every woman's body and lifestyle is vastly different. Sometimes, changes happen in your life that even require a change of birth control methods. Whether it's ending a relationship, starting a new one, gaining weight, aging or a number of other life changes, it's OK to find different methods that meet your changing needs. The important thing is for you to find something that puts your mind at ease and helps you feel happy and healthy.

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Boys will be boys, but at what point does hanging out, playing video games and Snapchatting lead to attempted murder?

Two 16-year-old boys lured 14-year-old Deserae Turner to join them by a canal after school to "hang out."

The boys came up with a plan

while playing video games to lure her to this remote area of town to sell her a knife but instead, kill her by slitting her throat, or as a backup, shoot her in the head.

One of the boys said he wanted to "get rid of" Deserae because he "just didn't want anything to do with Snapchatting her anymore."

His friend asked him why he didn't do something about it. At first, they laughed it off as a joke. Soon after, the plan hatched and quickly evolved as the boys decided to use knives because it would be quieter. They did, however, plan to take a gun owned by one of the boy's older brother as a backup plan.

Their plan was in play: Deserae met up with them. After telling her they'd give her a ride home, Deserae turned away from the boys to head back down the trail. The boy she had been Snapchatting shot her in the back of the head at close range.Both boys then stole her belongings, destroyed her phone and iPod, trashed her backpack, kept $55 they found in her bag and left Deserae for dead in a dry section of the canal.

When Deserae didn't arrive home shortly after school, she was reported missing around 6:30 p.m. The police, friends and family all began to search for her.

Just after midnight, Deserae was found - still alive. She was lying in the ditch with a bullet lodged in her skull. The police arrived and she was lifeflighted to the hospital.

The boys are being held in a juvenile center and being charged as juveniles with attempted aggravated murder and robbery.

"Through the blessings of our father in heaven Deserae is still with us and has made progress," Deserae's mother, April Turner, posted on her Facebook page. "Des is fighting so hard and we are grateful for the many small miracles along the way... Our sweet girl has been through so much as she battled for her life and this will be a battle she fights for a long time if not for the rest of her life."

The miracle

After a miraculous two months of rehabilitation, surgery, recovery and battling to be able to complete daily tasks most people take for granted, Deserae was released from Primary Children's Hospital.

"I am so thankful to be here today, to be alive,"

Deserae told the media at a press conference. "People all over the world have been praying for me. Some of them I know and some I have never met... but they care for me."

The sweet 14-year-old has been working very hard to heal, and although she still has a long way to go, she is very excited to be home and see her pet animals - especially her horses.

"What a great day. Because of the love and care of so many, we are taking our beautiful, courageous daughter home today," said Matt Turner, Deserae's father. "Nine weeks ago we did not know if this was possible."

Deserae's sweet and positive attitude lit up the room during the press conference. She spoke of gratitude towards those who have helped her, faith in God and the joy she felt to be going home with her family.

The bullet that was shot in her head remains embedded in her skull today. Her strength through this life-changing experience is inspiring to thousands around the world.

"I told my dad that I am tougher than a bullet. It is still with me today," said Deserae.

The post 16-year-old boys shoot girl in the head because they are tired of her snapchats; what happens with her body afterwards is the miraculous part appeared first on FamilyToday.

Since 1980, more than 3 million people have relocate to the United States to escape war, persecution and natural disasters in their home country. Many of these people became refugees in a country where they didn't understand the culture, laws or language. One of them, Nyandeng Aleu, said she, and many other refugees, have one request.

Nyandeng spent most of her young life surviving starvation, bombings, giving birth alone in the jungle and living among wild animals, but now she wants one simple thing - a friend.

She experienced terrible circumstances, and was desperate for friends after arriving in the United States. Aleu now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. In an interview with FamilyShare, Aleu said all refugees desperately need friendship to feel welcome.

Aleu grew up in South Sudan where she attended an Arabic school in a grass-roofed hut, with no electricity.

When the second civil war started in 1983, Aleu's life changed forever. Her family had to flee their village with no food or water. They traveled night and day, living off the land and trying to survive.

"We thought everything would go back to normal, but things started to grow worse and worse and worse," Aleu said. "The life was really to survive."

During the first four years of war, Aleu lost her father, brother, sister and many other relatives due to bombings, starvation and wild animal attacks as they moved from place to place.

"I lived always believing I would be killed next," Aleu said.

All five of her children were born during the war. She gave birth to three of them completely alone in the middle of the jungle, with nothing but trees for shelter.

About 10 years ago, Aleu was able to escape her awful circumstances and move to Salt Lake City.

She, with her five children and one nephew, escaped with help from the International Rescue Committee.

But when she got to the United States, her worrying continued. She suffered severe culture shock and gave her all to adapt to her new lifestyle. Eventually, things began to shine brighter for Aleu and her family.

"Because you were losing hope for a long time, you just see an opportunity to overcome the initial challenges and think 'I can maybe survive,'" Aleu said. "How to start your new life was really hard, but you can compare from back when you were in the forest and jungle. Then you have to try your best to fit in and to learn the new culture."

What does this survival story have to do with you?

Can you imagine what it would be like to move to a country where you didn't know the language, the culture or anybody at all? Fear and anxiety would infuse every nerve of your body. But, if you had just one person to lean on and help you understand, wouldn't they make all the difference?

Aleu said if she could inspire Americans to do one thing for refugees, it would be to talk to them, teach them and become their friend.

She said she needed a friend to teach her about the law and the social and cultural norms for her and her children's safety.

"When the sunrises in the morning [in my country], you send the kids to play and you go to fetch food and firewood and water," she said. "When the sun sets, they come back and you cook for them. The community can watch your children. It's like a camp so anyone from the community can watch your kids."

Aleu didn't know that idea wasn't socially acceptable in the United States. A friend would have been able to tell her she couldn't leave her kids unattended all day, and would have been able to help her understand all social norms.

"We have to respect the law too, but we can't if we don't have someone to teach us what the law is," said Aleu.

"You need a friend to feel home," Aleu said. "You need a friend so you don't feel lonely and can feel welcome."

To those she left behind, Aleu encourages those still suffering in difficult situations to do everything they can to stay alive.

"If you have the ability to do something, do it," said Aleu.

And to those who have made it out of their horrible circumstances, she asks them to do their best to fit in.

"Just do something to fit into the new society and culture," Aleu said. "Be patient, learn and make friends to teach you everything."

You can be a friend

There are many organizations collecting donations to rescue refugees like the organization that saved Aleu, which is the International Rescue Committee.

That same organization also offers fundraising and volunteering opportunities to help refugees.

Look for opportunities in your community to help refugees learn English, volunteer for programs that promote relief for refugees or donate hygiene products or any other needed supplies. You can help these wonderful people obtain the peace they have longed for and become the friend they need.

Photos by lifestyle and documentary photographer Kristi Burton. See her other work on her website.

The post The one overlooked thing every refugee needs (and we can easily give it to them) appeared first on FamilyToday.

Do you remember that moment you first held your child? Can you recall that new-baby smell or those tiny fingers that griped your own?

Entering parenthood is a beautiful and special thing. There are few sweeter moments on this earth than when a mother and father see their precious little one for the first time - an incandescent moment frozen in their memories forever.

Adoption is no less powerful. When you finally see the miracle child you get to call your own, there's an overwhelming love you physically feel from head to toe for the woman who gave up her child to make you a parent. Instant happiness fills your heart and the tears of joy flow down your cheeks.

After that moment, your life changes forever. You begin an indescribable adventure as a father and mother. Enjoy these sweet quotes and pictures from mothers, fathers and family members as they first meet their children for the first time.

"There was no question about it - this baby was created just for us... I wouldn't have wanted to get her any other way."

"Birth moms are the most courageous people I've ever met... Adoption is an amazing example of love for a child."

"I have never been more in love!!!"

"[We] are also blessed to be a part of this family as God adds to it, and stretches all of us in it, and gives us so much more than we thought possible."

"The emotion in the room that day was indescribable. Happiness, healing, love, joy, relief, and so many more just out pouring from everyone around."

"This was the moment [our son's] birth mother placed him in my arms. It was an indescribable moment full of love. You can see the tears running down by my nose."

"Do you remember those moments just before and just after you meet your child for the first time??"

"How could this be? 10 days ago I was still aching for a child not knowing when it would ever happen for us. But here we were watching our daughter get her first bath. It was our first moments as a family of 3!"

"Best day ever!"

"[His adoptive mother] actually got to be in the room when he was born. She cut the cord and was the first to hold him. So it was extra special."

"I love how adoption is shaping our family's story and for God's perfect timing, allowing us to walk through it together."

Love has the ability to heal all wounds and heartbreak and replace it with joy and relief. Women who long to be mothers but can't bear their own children give all of the love they possess to children placed in their arms for adoption. In return, those parents feel the amazing effects of love.

To those mothers who gave birth so another person could become a parents, thank you for your sacrifice. To those mothers who have adopted, cherish you little ones forever. And to those women who worry about never being a mother, don't give up hope - your turn will come.

*Editor's note: Some quotations were given directly to FamilyShare and did not wish to be attributed for privacy reasons.

The post Parents see their adopted children for the first time and their reactions are heart wrenching appeared first on FamilyToday.

You know your wife wants romance, and you probably know you should try a little harder. But it doesn't come naturally. When you were dating, your romantic and creative side meant flowers, love notes and chocolates.

But after "we're in love" turns to "we're married," it's easy to settle into a comfortable rut where the dates and romantic gestures are far and few in between.

Men, don't give up on romance so easily! Forget the grand gestures and focus on the little things that will put a smile on her face and make her swoon all over again. Here are some simple and cute ways to romance your wife:

Appreciate her

Let her know you're thinking about her and how grateful you are for her throughout the day. A simple text, note or a phone call just to tell her you love her gets the message across.

Learn her love language

Know and understand what makes her happy. No matter her love language, here's an example of things you can do for her:

• Acts of service: do the dishes and wash her car.

• Words of affirmation: write her a love letter and tell her how beautiful she looks.

• Physical touch: hold her hand in public and give her a massage before bed.

• Receiving gifts: give her a jar of "love coupons" which say things like, "I owe you a dinner date to your favorite restaurant," to redeem whenever she chooses.

• Quality time: take her on a walk, hold hands and talk about her day.

Don't do the same things

Every time you do something for her to show you care, switch it up. Repeating the same action becomes routine. Instead, think outside the box and start your day with a surprising ritual.

Surprise her

Give her a gift for no reason. A surprise trip, a pair of earrings or a flower from the back yard will do nicely. No matter how small or grand, surprising her shows her how much you care.

Ask her about her day

Show a genuine interest in how she's doing.

Compliment her daily

Taking time to remind her how amazing she is also reminds you how incredible your wife is.

Genuinely ask, "What can I do for you today?"

Even if her love language isn't acts of service, serve her. Knowing she has your help and support will mean the world to her.

Tell her you love her

Saying and hearing "I love you" is crucial to believing it's true.

Plan a picnic

Before she gets home, pack her favorite foods in a basket and grab a blanket for a romantic meal for two. If it's chilly outside, set the blanket out on the living room floor for an indoor picnic.

Swap babysitting with another couple

Have a "babysitting date night" for some of your friends. Watch their kids one weekend, then switch the next weekend and enjoy a child-free, romantic date with just the two of you.

Give her a heart attack

Collect as many different kinds of hearts that you can find. (Paper cut outs, stuffed pillows, heart confetti, etc.) Hide them everywhere: in her purse, cupboards, pockets and drawers. Put them in her sun visor in her car so when she lowers it, she's showered with hearts. Stuff her wallet full so she has to sort through them to pay for her groceries. Be creative.

Turn her birthday into her birth month

Instead of only celebrating her for one day, do little things to celebrate her for the entire month. These celebrations don't have to cost anything. No matter what you do, she will still feel spoiled and loved. What girl doesn't want that?

Call and text her

Sending her a quick text or calling her during your lunch break will make her day. Make it a habit, and it will quickly become a ritual she looks forward to.

Kiss her like it's the first time

Life gets busy and sometimes it's rare to get more than a quick peck before running off to the next thing. Take a couple of seconds every day to stop, hold her tight, look into her eyes and give her a long-lasting kiss that makes her tingle from head to toe.

The key to romance is making an honest effort. So go out of your way to win her heart again and again. As you do the unexpected, you'll discover just how fun it is to surprise the love of your life - not to mention the added joy of having a wife who is continually falling in love with you.

The post How to romance your wife appeared first on FamilyToday.

Flirting, (like many things) changes once you're married. The chase is over and you've both won, but that doesn't mean flirting has to stop. Be clever and creative to keep the flames burning.

These nine tips will keep things fresh, and he'll be falling in love with you all over again:

1. Do what you did when you were dating

Keep the spark alive by revisiting activities you did when you were falling in love. Recreate your first date or visit the place you shared your first kiss and take a walk down memory lane.

2. Make the normal, mundane things exciting

Put a little spice into everyday life by adding a little spontaneity. For example, give him a mystery date experience and blindfold him the second he comes home. Take him to the dining room and remove his blindfold to reveal his favorite home-cooked meal. After dinner, blindfold him again and lead him to the bathroom for a hot shower. When he finishes, blindfold him once more and take him into the living room to watch a movie. He'll love the mystery and excitement you add to mundane life.

3. Send heartwarming texts

Always let him know he's on your mind. Send him a flirty text or leave him a note in his wallet. Write something simple like, "Hey sexy man, I love you so much," "I'm so glad you're in my life," or "I think you're a wonderful man."

4. Do something you wouldn't normally do

Break from routine and surprise him with a gift for no reason. Your gift can be as simple as bringing him a nice breakfast while he's still in bed (this is especially nice if he normally gets up earlier than you).

5. Greet him and give him your full attention

The second he walks in the door after work, drop everything you're doing and give him your full attention. Greet him with a big hug and kiss and ask how his day was. If he gets home before you, bolt through the door, head straight for him and shower him with kisses.

6. Make a point of something you did for him

Sometimes men are oblivious, so pointing out something you did specifically for him will turn up the heat. For example, I hate shaving my legs, so when I do shave them, it's usually for my husband's sake. I stick my leg out for him to feel and say, "Look what I did for you" with a nod and a wink.

7. Don't talk about chores

That is, don't talk about them all the time. There is always a to-do list in your head, but bringing up work or chores too often can come across as nagging and keeps you from focusing on your time together.

8. Give him "the look"

You know the "look." When you make eye contact with him with a cheeky smile and a mischievous wink. When you're out in public, in a crowded room or across at the dinner table, put your charm to work with a playful expression.

9. Constantly break the touch boundary

Give him kisses, put your hand on his knee, play with his hair, scratch his back and whisper sweet nothings in his ear. Every time you touch him, you promote physical intimacy and strengthen your emotional bond.

The best way to test your flirty efforts is by watching your spouse's reactions. Try to make him laugh, smile or blush. Don't forget that humor can bring a charming and flirtatious air to your relationship as well. It's the small and simple gestures that keep sparks flying during every stage of your marriage. So keep up the flirting to remind him why he fell in love with you in the first place.

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After the honeymoon ends and reality sets in, you begin to realize how much work goes into a healthy marriage. And yet, even decades after their wedding day, some couples claim their many years of marriage as the best of their life. Clearly, they've learned what it takes to maintain a happy marriage, so why can't you?

Here are the top five things that will make all the difference in your marriage:

1. Apologize and let things go

There's a misconception that apologizing is a sign of weakness. But in a relationship, doing so demonstrates strength. Happy couples will build their relationship by offering genuine apologies when they've done something wrong or hurtful to their sweetheart.

Being stubborn or holding grudges can tear you and your spouse apart. The longer you wait to apologize, the longer the problem will fester and infect your relationship.

Once you've cleared the air, learn to let the issue go, because leaving your problems in the past will allow you to grow closer together.

2. Honest communication

Communication takes work - a lot of work, but it's the key to a strong and thriving relationship.

There's a bit of a learning curve as you adapt to each other's needs.

Start with, "This is how I'm feeling, and this is what I need from you right now."

This statement will open an honest and judgement-free conversation that allows you to be transparent and straightforward with your feelings and with what you need from your spouse in return.

3. Focus on the good

Always focus on each other's good qualities. Comment on how much you appreciate your spouse and the things they do. If you are consistent with focusing on the things you love about them, the good will outshine than the bad over time.

On the other hand, negative attributes will be amplified if you choose to focus on them. Doing this will make the situation worse by creating a toxic atmosphere around your home. To keep your relationship positive, take note of all the little things your partner does for you, and thank them for it. If there's something that bothers you, express your concerns without pointing fingers.

4. Never say anything bad about your spouse

You never know who is listening, and it might get back to them. People who don't know your spouse could meet them and greet them with, "I've never met you but I've heard..." Don't talk badly about them, even if they aren't around.

Even if what you're saying is true, speaking ill of them promotes your underlying negative feelings. Every time you vocalize those thoughts to yourself, in your journal, to your mother, to your friend or even to your spouse, negative thoughts and feelings become rooted deeply and cause you to resent them for no reason.

Avoiding negative thoughts and promoting each other's positive attributes will immediately strengthen your relationship.

5. Learn each other's love languages

There are a variety of love languages, so you and your spouse may differ in the ways you receive and show affection. Make it a goal to learn your spouse's love language and vice versa. That way, you can always be certain you are meeting their needs.

For example, I have a friend whose love language is quality time. Her husband knows this, so he sits in the same room as her. But, he tends to fiddle with his computer, play a game or do homework when sitting with her. My friend explained to me that it took some time for her husband to understand that being in the same room was not the same thing as quality time.

The fastest way to find happiness in your marriage is to establish healthy habits from the beginning. Take time to discuss any changes you want to make in your relationship, and ask for your partner's cooperation and help. Honest conversations are worth the time to infuse your relationship with more life, affection and happiness.

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The post The top 5 differences between a happy marriage and a miserable one appeared first on FamilyToday.

Vincent VonTobel has raised Sarah Leonard since she was two-years-old and has treated her like his own daughter.

"He has been fantastic to her - he never treated her as a stepchild," Sarah's mom, Jessica VonTobel, told InsideEdition.com. "Then he proposed to me. He said he loved us so much and he wanted to marry me and take care of us forever."

After marrying Sarah's mother, Vince became her stepdad, but never adopted her. Fifteen years later, 17-year-old Sarah planned to change that with the contents of a decorated box.

It was Vince's 39th birthday. His family gathered around him and filmed him opening his gifts. Sitting next to him in a large armchair, Sarah anxiously held "the big shebang" box.

Sarah had given him a new pen with his name engraved on it. Then, she handed him the box.

Vince calmly unwrapped it. When he removed the lid, the box was stuffed with white tissue paper.

"Yeah, that's all I got you, so..." Sarah joked.

Then Vince saw the paper that would change their lives - adoption papers to officially become Sarah's father after all these years.

With a slight chuckle, Vince's eyes brimmed with tears and he uncontrollably sobbed with joy.

"He is honestly pretty strong both physically and emotionally. I didn't realize until he broke how significant and important it was to him," Jessica said. "It was like everything in our family was complete."

Getting up from her seat next to him, Sarah rose to comfort her soon-to-be father.

"I love you so much and there is nobody else that I would want to be my dad except for you," Sarah said in the video.

Vince and Sarah shared a long, full embrace as father and daughter

Many fathers and mothers wait an excruciatingly long amount of time to adopt their beloved stepchildren or children in general.

"I really do hope that it inspires people to become aware of adoption," Jessica said.

To see the sweet moment for yourself, check out the video below.

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Christina DePino expected some discomfort during pregnancy, but she never anticipated the severe and excruciating pain that accompanied her expanding stomach.

Her itchy skin had become unbearable

"What had started as an all-over itch started to become more pronounced on the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet," DePino said. "It got to the point that I could no longer sleep at night... my arms and legs were bleeding from all the scratching."

Unable to ignore the pain any longer, DePino took her complaints to Facebook about the pitfalls of pregnancy. Her post begged her friends for answers and remedies to control the constant itching and to help her find relief.

A few people commented that it might be intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). After googling ICP, DePino discovered it was a serious condition that can cause bile from the liver to back up in the bloodstream. Shockingly, she found the possible cause for her severe itching could also cause her baby to be stillborn.

At 36 weeks, DePino contacted her doctor for blood testing where she was officially diagnosed with ICP. The doctor recommended DePino be induced a couple of weeks early to lower her unborn daughter's health risks.

One week later and 37 weeks pregnant, DePino delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Lexa Rae.

"As soon as I was holding my beautiful baby girl in my arms, all I could think was, 'What if?' What if I had not complained on Facebook? What if no one had told me?" DePino said. "All I could think was that I had to let other women know. I didn't want any of them to wonder what had happened to their perfectly healthy baby."

She decided to share her experience on Facebook to help educate other unsuspecting mothers about ICP.

"If your pregnant & your itching REALLY bad, don't ignore it!!"

DePino's post has over 26,000 shares. DePino and her husband are thrilled their message about cholestasis is being shared and spread to women all over the world.

DePino encourages all mothers to never ignore their "itchy" feelings.

"A simple blood test could save your baby's life," DePino said.

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The post Pregnant mom complains on Facebook about ‘normal’ symptoms; sharing ended up saving her baby’s life appeared first on FamilyToday.